Douro River Cruise-Madeira Post-Cruise

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Madeira Tour program, May 27th -30th

This tour includes the following:

Air fare from Porto to Funchal, returning to Lisbon

Airport/Hotel/Airport transportation

Three nights in central Funchal at a 4-star property

Breakfast each day

Services of a local guide

Walking tour of Funchal, including Monte Toboggan

Two days of island touring by coach

Two wine visits

Farewell dinner

Day one: Funchal

Morning flight from Porto to Funchal. Our local guide will meet us at the airport, and will treat us to a visit at a local winery on the way in to the city. We’ll have a walking tour of Funchal before checking into the hotel that afternoon. You’ll have free time to explore on your own with an opportunity to join the more adventurous members for an expedition to Monte for a ride on the famous and very unique toboggan. (B)

Day Two: Touring to the west side of the island, including Câmara de
Lobos, Madalena do Mar and Porto Moniz.

Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos is a pretty fishing town that is located on the south-eastern side
of Madeira and makes for a pleasant day trip from Funchal. Câmara de Lobos is a
working town specializing in the fishing of the night dwelling Scabbard fish. This
hard fishing lifestyle is reflected in the town, with small traditional tenements
that house multiple families crowding around the cliffs, while at dawn the
returning fishermen head to the bars to drink Poncho, a strong alcoholic drink.

For visitors Camara de Lobos is a picturesque location with colorful fishing boats
pulled up onto the grey beaches, which are over looked by some of the highest
cliffs in Europe. These charming views inspired Camara de Lobos’ most famous
resident, Winston Churchill, to paint his celebrated pictures of the region and this
history is lovely embraced by the town.

Madalena do Mar

Madalena do Mar is a small village located on the southwest coast of the Island
with beautiful sea and cliff views. Its name comes from a legendary Polish Prince
of the 15th century, Henry Allemão. He was given land by João Gonçalves Zarco
and established a great-populated farm where he built a chapel dedicated to the
Saint Mary Madeleine.

Madalena do Mar is a characteristic fishing village with a beautiful promenade
along the pebble beach. Its location and accompanying climate has helped it to
establish the biggest banana plantations on the Island.

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz is a small and pleasant town located at the north-west point of the
Island. Known for its natural volcanic pools it is very popular with locals and
tourists alike in the summer. Porto Moniz has the safest harbour on the north
coast of the island and a heliport designated for tourists and for emergency
purposes.

The historic Fort of João Batista was built in 1730 to protect from Pirate raids and
has now been restored and transformed into the Madeira Aquarium with more
than 70 typical species.

Along the promenade you will find a variety of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops
and the Living Science Centre; a place for all ages to explore mixture of science
and cultural exhibits. Furthermore, if you enjoy camping, nearby is a campsite and
on your way out of town don’t forget to visit the Miradouro da Santa (lookout
point) for spectacular view of Porto Moniz.

After touring for the day, you’ll have time to spend on your own in Funchal. I’m
sure there will be some music to find later in the evening. (B)

Day Three: Arieiro Peak and Edge of São Lourenço, dramatic seascapes
and mountain vistas of the eastern side of the island.

Pico Arieiro

The “Pico do Arieiro” is the 3rd highest peak in Madeira, with 1818 meters
altitude, right behind the “Pico Ruivo” with 1862 and Pico das Torres with 1851
meters altitude.
If you are not into hiking, then this is the right peak for you. It’s near Funchal and
is the easiest to reach because you can get there by car. From the top, the view is
amazing and you can see other parts of the island, such as the Curral das Freiras,
the Ponta de São Lourenço and if weather allows, Porto Santo Island.
Besides enjoying a unique view of this peak, the fact that there is a viewpoint, a
coffee shop and a gift shop, make your visit even more special. This is also where
Zino's Petrel, a small seabird unique to Madeira, is located.

São Lourenço

Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the last nearly untouched places in Europe.
Located in the eastern part of the island, this is the place where a fantastic
combination of rocks and sea created one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces.
You can climb up the rocks and see very little evidence of man’s changes to the
island. There are excellent views over both the northern and southern sides of the
island and, when the weather conditions allow it, also on Porto Santo Island.

We'll have a farewell dinner near the hotel this evening. (BD)

Day Four: Flights home

Early flight from Madeira to Lisbon to connect with trans-Atlantic flights home. You’re welcome to extend your stay in Lisbon.

This tour is limited in number to 22 guests. Extra nights are available in Madeira if you choose to extend your stay. Cost is 1485 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $400. Deposit to confirm this part of the tour is $400 per person. Balance is due when the cruise balance is paid, January 31st, 2018. As always, there is a discount for guests choosing to pay by check instead of visa/mastercard. The discount, taken at final payment, is $60 per person.